Packing



Feb. 23, 1937. F. E. PAYNE ET AL 2,071,566

PACKING' F11ed 1pm 1, 1935 s sheets-sheet 1 F eb. 23, 1937.

F. E. PAYNE E1' Al. n 2,071,566

PACKING Filed April 1, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ffm,

Feb. 23, 1937. F E PAYN; {7|- AL y 2,071,566 I PACKING Filed April 1, 1955 s sheets-shed s l wf,

Patented Feb. 23, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PACKING Application April 1, 1935, Serial No. 14,062

3 Claims.

Our invention relates to packing for eifecting a seal with a cooperating part and is primarily concerned with an article which may be manufactured in flexible lengths and cut to t a particular condition of operation.

This invention is in the nature of an improvement on the packing disclosed and claimed in United States Letters Patent Nos. 1,912,462 and 1,964,272, and is intended to render the packing more adaptable and suitable for use in stuing boxes and the like, and more easily deformable under the gland pressures customarily available. The provision of stitching together the strips composing the packing and the locating of cerl5 tain portions of these stitches in a groove extending longitudinally of the sealing strip of the packing is retained.

One object of our invention isA to devise a ilexible packing having a sealing strip which is apertvured to facilitate its deformatipn under gland pressure while maintaining a sealing contact with the part being sealed.

A further object is to devise a combination packing of the stitched type having a metallic sealing face which may be formed of lead, copper, any suitable alloy, or generally a non-scoring metal which further possesses the property of making a tight seal with shafts, rods and rotating or reciprocating parts in general, and particularly under conditions requiring the maintenance of an adequate seal against pressure and under a wide variety of temperatures, the metallic sealing strip being secured to a bacln'ng strip and the former being apertured in such a manner as to facilitate its transverse deformation under pressure without lengthening the sealing strip, or disrupting or severing the stitches.

A further object is to devise a method of makink a combinationpacking of the stitched type which precludes any possibility of the stitches being broken when the packing is bent around a shaft, for example.

A further object is to provide a packing comprising backing and sealing strips stitched together in which the stitches are arranged to facilitate bending of the packing without rupturing the stitches.

These and further objects oi our invention will be set forth in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and the novel means by which said objects are eifectuated will be definitely pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevation, partly in section, of one form of our improved packing as the same appears when viewed from the side thereof.

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the packing, looking in the direction of the arrow 2 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional, end view of the packing,

looking in the direction of the arrow 3 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective, sectional View of the complete packing, showing the relation of the perforations in the sealing strip to the longitudinal groove within which the stitches are located.

Fig. 5 is an elevation, partly in section, illustrating a typical operating condition in which our improved packing may be employed, the packing being shown in sealing relation to a reciprocating rod and three packing rings being shown, although this number may be varied as desired.

Figs. 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, V18, 20, 22, 21.1. and 26 are bottom plan views of modiiied forms of packing, corresponding to that illustrated in Fig. 2, and illustrating the various shapes and dispositions which rthe perforations or openings in the sealing strip may assume. f

Figs. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27 are sections along the lines 'l-"l, 99, ll-II, ifs-I3, IE5-l5, |1-II, lil-I9, 2l-2l, 23--23, 25--25 and 21-2'L respectively, in Figs. 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26, respectively, looking in the direction of the arrows. v

Fig. 28 is a View corresponding to Fig. 26, showing the disposition of the teeth located along one edge of the sealing strip after the latter has been subjected to compression. J

Fig. k29 is ar sectional elevation of any one of the packing modications heretofore referred to, showing one step in the manufacture of the packing, namely, Vthe stitching of the backing and sealing strips together while both strips are bent to a predetermined radius.

Fig. 30 is a sectional elevation of the packing shown in Fig. 29, the packing being illustrated in a straightened condition and showing the loose portions of these stitches which enable the packing to be bent around a cooperating part Ywithout any possibility of the stitches being ruptured.

Fig. 31 is a sectional elevation of any one of the packing modiiications showing a step in a different method of securing the component strips of the packing together.

Fig. 32 is a sectional elevation of the strip shown in Fig. 31, but after the backing strip has been compressed to thereby crimp or place in a sinuous condition those portions of the stitches which pass through the backing strip and which are straightened when the packing is bent around a shaft, for example.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, which illustrate one modification of my improved packing, numeral I9 designates a backing strip which may be formed of asbestos, flax, cotton, or generally any nonmetallic material which possesses the property of resilience to some degree, while the numeral Il designates a sealing or facing strip which may be composed of metal, such as lead, copper, an appropriate alloy, or generally any anti-friction metal which is softer than that which composes the part that cooperates with the packing for sealing purposes. For example, it is contemplated that an asbestos backing strip may be employed for sealing steam, air, hot gases, and hot oils, while a flax or cotton backing strip may be used in connection with the sealing of cold oils, or other materials having a similar tempelabllle.

The strips I and II may have any convenient width, but in thickness, the dimension of the strip I0 will be several times greater than that of the strip II, with the latter having such a measure of thickness as will not interfere with its capacity for being rolled into a ring form. A groove I2 is formed in the face of the strip II, intermediate the sides thereof and extending the length of the strip, and this groove may be formed While the strips are occupying the overlying position shown in Fig. 1, while being suitably held, or the groove may be rolled in the strip I I prior thereto.

The formation of the groove I2 causes a projection of the central portion of the strip II into the body of the strip I0, as shown clearly in Fig. 3. In addition toV utilizing this groove as a uid collecting receptacle or pocket, such as for oil and the like, advantage is also taken of its disposition for the purpose of securing the strips I0 and II together. To this end, the strips may be positively secured together by stitching I3, the stitches extending completely through the thickness of the packing, as defined by the strips I0 and II with the portions thereof which project through the strip II being rested in the bottom of the groove I2, so that these stitched portions are not subjected to wear by the cooperating rod or shaft, which might otherwise result in a separation of the component strips 'it' of the packing. The use of the term stitching is intended to comprehend wire stitching, or other fastening means, such as brads, staples and the like.

The thickness of the sealing strip II is generally of the order of 1/8 of an inch. We have ascertained that the use of this plain strip, as disclosed in the above noted patents, in a stuffing box where the packing is subjected to gland pressure in order to establish the necessary sealing contact, is attended with great diiculty, because the strut-like strip interposes a considerable resistance to the gland. Pressures as high as 10,000 pounds per square inch have been found necessary in order to compress the packing. We accordingly propose the use of perforations or openings, such as the elongated openings I4 in the sealing strip II which are so disposed and proportioned that the sealing strip may be transversely deformed without causing any increase in the length of the packing, or without rupturing the stitching I3. With such a construction, the sealing strip will collapse under gland pressures as low as l5 to 20 pounds per square inch. In the modification shown in Fig. 2, these openings are arranged in two rows, with the groove I2 extending between the rows and with the openings on one side of the groove being located in staggered or echeloned relation to the openings on the other side.

The advantages of the foregoing construction can be more readily understood by referring to Fig. 5 wherein is shown diagrammatically a stuffing box construction. The numeral I5 represents a reciprocating rod or stem that is slidable in a stuffing box I6. Around the rod and located within the stufng box are several packing rings of the type just described which are subjected to pressure by the usual gland II. As the gland I'I is moved toward the right, it will be obvious that the backing strip will tend to move in directions laterally of the gland and specifically in a direction in which the shielding strip I I will be caused to contact closely with the periphery of the rod I5. The resilient nature of the strip I0 will effect substantially a uniform pressure over the entire area of the sealing strip, so that the latter will bear uniformly throughout its entire width on the rod I5, with manifest improvement in its sealing capacity, as well as a maintenance of the life of the packing over a greater period by reason of uniformity in wear. For reasons already noted, this movement of the gland I'I also will effect a reduction in the width of the several sealing strips, without causing any undue pressure at the abutting ends of each ring, it being understood that these rings are formed by cutting a suitable length of the packing and then bending the same around the shaft.

In a packing having a metallic sealing strip which is 5/8 of an inch wide and 1/8 inch thick, we have found that op-enings having a length of 1/2 inch and a width of about 1/8 of an inch and suitably spaced along the strip, after lthe general manner indicated in Fig. 2, will enable the sealing strip to be readily deformed and at a pressure not in excess of the usual gland pressure available. This deformation is effected while preserving the wearing face of the packing, since the sealing strip simply collapses without buckling throughout its length. The staggered perforations provide for a substantial balancing of the compressing action along the full length of the strip. Strips as wide as one inch may be crushed under normal gland pressure to a width of onehalf inch without affecting the wearing and sealing qualities of the packing.

In Figs. 6 and '7 are illustrated a further modification of the packing which differs from that above described in that the sealing strip I8 is provided with four rows of elongated and spaced openings I9, the groove 25, corresponding to the groove I2, running lengthwise of the strip between the intermediate rows. As before, the openings in any one row are arranged in staggered relation to the openings in an adjacent row. The backing strip 2l diners somewhat as to shape from that heretofore described in that its width is slightly greater than that of the sealing strip, as shown clearly in Fig. 7. By this arrangement, it is possible to establish an initial pressure against the sealing strip by the gland operating through `the backing strip 2I, before the gland actually contacts with the sealing strip. This same relation of the backing strip to the sealing strip may be used in the modification above described, or in any of the subsequently described packing forms.

In Figs. 8 to l1, inclusive, which illustrate still another modification, the principal distinction resides in the use of segmental openings 22 which are disposed on opposite sides of the stitching groove 23 and in staggered relation to each other. The form shown in Fig. 8 diiers from that illustrated in Fig. l0 in that in the former the curved portions of the openings 22 are located outwardly toward the edges of the sealing strip, while the reverse condition obtains in the form shown in Fig. l0.

In Figs. 12 to l5, inclusive, V-shaped openings 24 and 26 are shown in Figs. 12 and 14, respectively, the apexes of these openings being located along the longitudinal .axis of the sealing stripl of the packing. In the form shown in Fig. 12, however, the openings 24 are located between a pair of the stitch .grooves 25, while in Fig. 14, the stitch groove 2l extends through the apexes of the openings 26.

In Figs. 16, 18, 20. and 22, further modified shapes and arrangements of openings in the sealing strips are employed, as indicated by the numerals 28, 29, 30 and 3l, respectively. Each of these openings possesses generally a. triangular outline, and these forms are distinguished essentially by the relation of the openings to the stitch grooves.

In Figs. 24 and 25, the openings 32 in the sealing strip possess .a hexagonal shape and they are arranged in alternate rows of two and three openings transversely of the stripand symmetrically disposed with reference to the stitching groove 33.

In Figs. 26 to 28, inclusive, there is illustrated a packing in which the sealing strip 34 is provided with the usual stitching groove 35 and along one edge thereof with a series of spaced teeth 36 which are preferably inclined to the vertical, as shown. When rings of this packing are bent around a shaft, after the manner generally shown in Fig. 5, and subjected to gland pressure, the bending of the teeth 36 into the form generally indicated by the numeral 38 in Fig. 28 provides the necessary give which enables the packing to be deformed transversely of the width thereof. The bending of these teeth forms pockets 39 in which lubricating oil and the like may collect.

In Figs. 29 and 30, there are illustrated certain steps in a suggested method for making the packing heretofore described. If the packing is made by stitching the backing and sealing strips together while the latter are straight, We have ascertained that when the packing is bent around a small shaft, such as of the order of 3 to 4 inches in diameter, the stitching has a tendency to rupture, particularly in those portions which are exposed along the outer surface of the backing strip, this action being due to the necessity for stretching these stitched portions in order to enable the packing to be bent to the radius indcated.

We, therefore, propose to stitch the indicated strips together while the latter are in a bent condition and to this end, we may bend the sealing strip 40 around a suitable arbor, for example, it being understood that this strip is. provided with the usual longitudinal groove 4I, and thereafter bend the backing strip 42 around the sealing strip. The associated strips then present the general appearance shown in section in Fig. 29.

It will be understood that the diameter of the arbor should not exceed the diameter of the part with which the packing is to be used and, preferably, the arbor diameter should be less in order to provide the necessary factor of safety for the stitching. The arbor is then removed and, with the strips suitably held, they are secured together by the stitches 43, the innermost portions 44 thereof being located in the groove 4I, while the outermost portions 45 it snugly against the outer surface of the backing strip 42. Accordingly, when the finished packing is unbent and shaped to thL straight position shown in Fig. 30, the tight stitch portions 45 will become the loose stitch portions 46 so that when the packing is afterwards rebent to fit around a shaft or rod, this bending may be accomplished without any danger of rupturing the securing stitches.

In Figs. 31 and 32 is illustrated a further method of accomplishing a result comparable to that just described in connection with Figs. 29 and 30. By this method, it is possible to stitch the backing and sealing strips together while lying straight. The numeral 41 designates the usual sealing strip provided with the customary groove 48 and against which is laid a strip 49 which is to subsequently become the backing strip. The strip 49 is provided on the surface remote from the sealing strip 41 with a ridge-like portion 50 and the stitching 5| is disposed along this ridge and within the groove 48. After being so secured, it ls contemplated that the strip 49 will be compressed to substantially the profile illustrated in Fig. 32, in which the numeral 52 designates the finished backing strip. Obviously, this compression will cause those portions of the stitches 5I within the backing strip to assume the sinuous or somewhat crimped appearance designated generally by the numeral 53. This crimping provides a certain elasticity in the stitching, such that when the packing is bent around a small shaft, the stretch to which the stitching is subjected is readily compensated for by the crimped stitch portions 53.

Regardless of Which of the modifications above described are employed, the relation, number and shape of the openings or perforations in the sealing strip are such as to readily permit the transverse deformation of the metallic strip without causing any lengthening thereof and also without subjecting the stitching to rupture.

We claim:

1. In a packing comprising a substantially at and continuous flexible sealing strip having suiiicient thinness to permit bending around a cooperative part, a iiexible backing strip and stitching securing the strips together, means to facilitate transverse deformation of the sealing strip while substantially preserving its wearing face, said means including a plurality of rows of apertures spaced lengthwise and staggered transversely of the sealing strip in suflicient number and size to render the strip transversely deformable under pressure Without substantially affecting the length thereof.

2. In a packing comp-rising a substantially at and continuous flexible sealing strip having sufficient thinness to permit bending around a cooperative part, and a flexible backing secured to the sealing strip, means to facilitate transverse deformation of the strip while substantially preserving its wearing face, said means including a plurality of elongated apertures spaced lengthwise and staggered transversely of the sealing strip in sufficient number and size to render the strip transversely deformable under pressure without substantially affecting the length thereof.

3. In a packing comprising a substantially flat and continuous flexible sealing strip having sufricient thinness to permit bending around a cooperative part, and a flexible backing secured to the sealing strip, means to facilitate transverse deformation of the strip While Substantially preserving its wearing face, said means including a plurality of rows of apertures spaced lengthwise of the sealing strip, the apertures of one row overlapping the apertures of the adjacent row and being in suflcient number and size to render the strip transversely deformable under pressure Without substantially affecting the length thereof.

FRANK E. PAYNE. ALBERT J. MATTER. 

